Defensive TDs propel 49ers over Saints

49ERS 31, SAINTS 21 Brooks turns game with 1st of defense's 2 TDs

Updated 9:42 am, Monday, November 26, 2012

Donte Whitner finishes his interception return with a leap into the end zone in the third quarter, putting the 49ers up 28-14.

Donte Whitner finishes his interception return with a leap into the end zone in the third quarter, putting the 49ers up 28-14.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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Ahmad Brooks (55) leads a gaggle of 49ers as he returns an interception for a game-changing touchdown just before halftime.

Ahmad Brooks (55) leads a gaggle of 49ers as he returns an interception for a game-changing touchdown just before halftime.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, bottom, upends San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker (46) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. Abdul-Quddus was injured on the play. less

New Orleans Saints free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus, bottom, upends San Francisco 49ers tight end Delanie Walker (46) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. Abdul-Quddus ... more

Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press

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Frank Gore #21 and Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. less

Frank Gore #21 and Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is sacked by Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints is sacked by Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) fumbles a punt which is recovered by New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) fumbles a punt which is recovered by New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) scores on a touchdown run in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) scores on a touchdown run in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints fullback Jed Collins (45) scores a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) covers in the second half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints fullback Jed Collins (45) scores a touchdown as San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) covers in the second half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) scores on a touchdown run in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) scores on a touchdown run in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) loses the ball as he is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) loses the ball as he is tackled by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) in the first half of an NFL ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates his touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates his touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden (56) celebrates a tackle in a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. (Matthew Hinton / Special to the Chronicle) less

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tavares Gooden (56) celebrates a tackle in a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. ... more

Photo: MATTHEW HINTON, SFC

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New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) grabs a fumbled punt by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) in a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. (Matthew Hinton / Special to the Chronicle) less

New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) grabs a fumbled punt by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) in a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz ... more

Photo: MATTHEW HINTON, SFC

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) pulls in a fumble on a punt by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints defensive back Rafael Bush (25) pulls in a fumble on a punt by San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) gestures at the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) gestures at the line of scrimmage in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) is upended by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31), causing an interception returned for a touchdown, in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) is upended by San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31), causing an interception returned for a touchdown, in the second half of an NFL football ... more

Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, calls to an official in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, calls to an official in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) greets defensive back Chris Culliver (29) in the second half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) greets defensive back Chris Culliver (29) in the second half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) pulls in a touchdown reception as San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) covers in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) pulls in a touchdown reception as San Francisco 49ers free safety Dashon Goldson (38) covers in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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Patrick Robinson #21 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a ball intended for Kyle Williams #10 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Patrick Robinson #21 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a ball intended for Kyle Williams #10 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Jimmy Graham #80 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) carries an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) carries an interception for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at The Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 25, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

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New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) carries as San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) carries as San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers running back Kendall Hunter (32) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) celebrates his touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) it tackled in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) it tackled in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

Image 34 of 45

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (28) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) in the first half of an NFL football game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) crawls over the goal line for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) crawls over the goal line for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Haber, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) scores as he crawls across the goal line in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

New Orleans Saints tight end David Thomas (85) scores as he crawls across the goal line in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) drops back to pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with quarterback Alex Smith (11) before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks with quarterback Alex Smith (11) before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, ... more

Photo: Bill Feig, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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Young New Orleans Saints fans watch warm-ups before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Young New Orleans Saints fans watch warm-ups before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

Photo: Gerald Herbert, Associated Press

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San Francisco 49ers fans Alberto Delgado, Jr., left, high fives Shawn James as they tailgate in Champions Square before a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. (Matthew Hinton / Special to the Chronicle) less

San Francisco 49ers fans Alberto Delgado, Jr., left, high fives Shawn James as they tailgate in Champions Square before a game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz ... more

Photo: MATTHEW HINTON, SFC

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Defensive TDs propel 49ers over Saints

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New Orleans --

The scheme came from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the execution was provided by outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks and the combination led to the game-turning play in the 49ers' 31-21 victory over the Saints on Sunday.

With the Saints leading 14-7 late in the second quarter, Fangio called for Brooks to do something he hadn't done this season: drop into coverage on a long-yardage situation instead of rushing the quarterback.

Call it the wrinkle that wrecked the Saints.

On 2nd-and-10 from New Orleans' 44-yard line, Drew Brees targeted Pro Bowl tight Jimmy Graham and - surprise - found Brooks in coverage instead of in his face. Brooks took the resulting interception 50 yards into the end zone to tie the game and swing the momentum.

"It's something we've never done before. This is the first time we've done that," Fangio said. "So it may have fooled (Brees) a little bit. We do some different things with Ahmad - we move him around - but we have never dropped him back in coverage like that before.

"They had a route cooked up for the coverage, Ahmad ended up being right underneath it and plucked it. A game changer."

Indeed, though the pregame focus centered on 49ers quarterbacks Colin Kaepernick and Alex Smith - to the point that head coach Jim Harbaugh moaned that the rest of his team was being overlooked - the biggest plays in Sunday's win were provided by the defense, with a performance that couldn't be ignored.

In addition to Brooks' interception, safety Donte Whitner returned a pick 42 yards to give San Francisco a 28-14 third-quarter lead, and the 49ers collected five sacks against a team that had surrendered 16 in its first 10 games. The Saints had scored fewer than 22 points once in their previous 18 games.

Brooks, who is often overshadowed by his fellow linebackers - All-Pros Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman and NFL sack leader Aldon Smith (1.5 sacks Sunday) - played a starring role. He also had 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits.

"With the guys we have, you never really know which player is going to make the plays to make the difference in the game," Brooks said. "This week, it was me and Donte Whitner who made the big plays for our defense."

Whitner's big play came with an assist from fellow safety Dashon Goldson

With the 49ers leading 21-14 in the third quarter, Goldson violently upended Saints wide receiver Marques Colston on a deep pass over the middle. The throw bounded off Colston's hands and into the arms of Whitner, who delivered a two-touchdown lead.

"I really didn't even know what happened," Goldson said. "I was confused until I saw 'Whit' with the ball."

For his part, Fangio joked about Whitner's ability to haul in the deflection. Whitner, who initially bobbled the ball, termed his hands "terrible" after he dropped a potential pick-six in a Week 3 loss at Minnesota.

"Somebody had to take the steam off the ball for him," Fangio said. "He caught a tip. He didn't have to catch a thrown ball."

Said Whitner: "Vic likes to say stuff like that. Even in the meeting room. But he's right. I've dropped two or three of them this season that had a little steam on them."

Speaking of footballs with steam on them, the rocket-armed Kaepernick (16-for-25, 231 yards, one TD, one interception) engineered a 16-play, 85-yard drive leading to a fourth-quarter field goal after the Saints trimmed the deficit to 28-21.

With the raucous Superdome crowd in full throat, Kaepernick converted two third downs on the march, most memorably a 25-yard laser over the middle to tight end Delanie Walker on 3rd-and-11 from San Francisco's 35.

Earlier, the fleet-footed QB, who wasn't sacked despite being constantly pressured, gave the 49ers a 7-0 first-quarter lead when he loped 7 yards around left end after faking to Kendall Hunter on a read option.

After the game, though, it was Brooks' wheels that had many players talking.

Brooks, who is listed at 259 pounds, sprinted untouched down the right sideline on the play that changed the game and evoked memories of his college days: Brooks returned two kickoffs for 55 yards at Virginia.

"Ahmad, he's a freak of nature, man," Whitner said. "He's 273, 274 pounds and can move like that? ... That's the type of guys that we have on this defense."

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